National Council of Churches of Kenya Calls for Integrity, Electoral Accountability, and Urgent Reforms Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Council of Churches of Kenya Central Region has called for urgent reforms to strengthen governance, accountability, electoral integrity, healthcare services, and social responsibility ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking after a two-day Regional Consultation Forum held from May 12–13, 2026,

at Bethany House Retreat and Conference Centre in Sagana, church delegates representing Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Embu, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Nyeri expressed concern over rising corruption, declining public trust in institutions, and deteriorating public services.

Held under the theme “Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Trust for Credible Elections,” the forum emphasized the biblical call in Amos 5:24: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”

Calls for Stronger Anti-Corruption Measures

The council condemned increasing corruption within counties across the region, noting that misuse of public resources and weak accountability systems continue to fuel poverty, unemployment, and poor service delivery.

The delegates called for strengthened anti-corruption institutions, including enhanced powers for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and recommended that individuals convicted of corruption be barred from contesting elections even while appeals are pending.

The church leaders also urged civil society organizations and communities to actively promote accountability and transparency in public leadership.

Concerns Over Electoral Preparedness

With Kenya’s General Election only 14 months away, the council warned against premature political campaigns that distract leaders from service delivery.

Particular concern was raised regarding the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026, which the council described as becoming a center of political realignments rather than addressing citizens’ representation needs.

The delegates called on:

• Political parties and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to ensure integrity-based candidate vetting.
• The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take decisive action against vote buying, political violence, and electoral malpractice.
• Security agencies and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute individuals involved in organized political violence and goonism.
• The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to strengthen action against hate speech and incitement.

The council further encouraged young people and eligible citizens to register as voters and actively participate in democratic processes.

Healthcare Crisis and SHIF Concerns

The church leaders expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of healthcare facilities across counties in the region, citing lack of medicine, non-functional treatment equipment, poor infrastructure, and inadequate water supply in some hospitals.

The delegates called on both county and national governments to urgently address healthcare challenges and ensure adequate funding for the health sector.

Additionally, the council urged Parliament to conduct a comprehensive review of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) following persistent public complaints regarding inefficiencies within the Social Health Authority system.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Warning

The council also highlighted the increasing crisis of alcoholism and substance abuse among youth, warning that the problem has contributed to rising insecurity, family breakdowns, school dropouts, and reduced productivity.

Church leaders appealed to communities to promote sobriety and responsible living while challenging authorities to crack down on the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol and dangerous substances.

Politics and the Church

Amid heightened political activity, the NCCK reiterated guidelines discouraging political influence within churches.

The council emphasized that politicians attending worship services should be treated equally with other congregants, and political endorsements or campaign activities should not be allowed within church sanctuaries.

Message to Kenyans and the Youth

The church leaders urged citizens not to remain silent in the face of poor governance and reminded leaders that public office is a responsibility entrusted by the people.

Addressing the youth directly, the council encouraged them to reject political manipulation, violence, and voter bribery, while using the 2027 elections responsibly and conscientiously.

The statement was signed by Rt. Rev. Stephen Njogu, Vice Chairman of the NCCK Central Region, on May 13, 2026, at Bethany House Retreat and Conference Centre, Sagana.